Sometimes terminology can be confusing, especially when it comes to sustainability. So today I want to answer the question of are compostable and biodegradable the same thing?
If you have looked at some packaging frowning, not sure whether it can be recycled or even composted, you are not alone.
There are so many different terms out there now around sustainability and plastic, that many people are confused.
It’s not helped by companies wanting to look eco-friendly, as this is what consumers want. So they use an array of green-sounding terms, but most of us are not sure what they mean.
If you are looking to make more sustainable choices, then it’s important that you understand these terms.
So in this article I will answer the question: are compostable and biodegradable the same thing?
Compostable Is Not The Same As Biodegradable
Let’s get straight to it: are compostable and biodegradable the same thing? NO.
Although often these two terms are used interchangeably, they have very different meanings.
Especially when it comes to plastic, this can cause confusion. But worse than that, it might cause harm to our planet.
Plastics that are labelled as biodegradable are more likely to end up as litter in our environment, where they can cause great harm.
But fear not, we are here to clear up this confusion. Let’s start with explaining what the two terms actually mean.
Biodegradable
Basically, biodegradable means that a material will break down into smaller pieces with the help of microorganisms, such as fungi, bacteria or microbes.
Pretty much everything is technically biodegradable, but some things will break down quicker than others. Some plastics, for example, can take over 500 years to degrade.
Also, different materials need different conditions to break down, such as humidity levels and temperature.
Some materials, such as wood, will break down fairly quickly and release nutrients into the environment.
Others, like many plastics, will take much longer, and they will release toxins and break down into harmful chemicals and gases. These can have an impact on our environment.
So just because something is biodegradable does not necessarily mean that it’s good for our planet.
For example, some types of plastic that are made from petroleum, which is highly unsustainable, are actually biodegradable. But that doesn’t mean they are eco-friendly.
Therefore, it’s important to understand that the term “biodegradable” does not automatically mean good for the planet.
Compostable
If a material is compostable, it will break down under certain circumstances. Composting is a process which needs human intervention.
Compostable material will turn into compost, which can then be used to grow plants.
Everything that is compostable is also biodegradable. But not every material that is biodegradable is also compostable.
When a compostable material decomposes, it turns into non-toxic, non-harmful components, such as water, carbon, biomass and dioxide. All these are useful for the planet.
For a material to be labelled as compostable, it has to be certified. The certification is issued by a not-for-profit organisation, Renewable Energy Assurance Limited (REAL).
There are two types of compostable materials. Those that can be composted at home on a compost heap and those that need to be composted in an industrial facility.
Both need REAL certification, at least when it comes to plastic packaging.
Only put plastic materials on your compost heap, if they have a label saying you can do so. And keep in mind that it might take longer than organic waste such as kitchen scraps.
If you see a label that says industrially compostable, you can’t put it on your compost heap. These need to be composted in an industrial composting facility.
If you are lucky enough to have access to an industrial composting facility, great. But most of us won’t. This means we have to put the material in the general waste bin.
Don’t put it in your garden waste bin, because the councils don’t accept it, as it won’t be treated correctly. It could even contaminate a whole load.
Bioplastics Or Bio-Based Plastics
There is another set of terms you should be aware of, if you want to know the answer to the question: are compostable and biodegradable the same thing?
These are bioplastics or bio-based plastics. They are often used by companies to indicate their green credentials.
And these are often also confused with the term biodegradable and compostable. So I thought I’d better also explain these terms.
Bioplastics or bio-based plastics are made from plant-based sources, such as corn starch. Traditional plastics are made from crude oil, or in other words: fossil fuels.
In this respect, bio-based plastics are better for the environment, because their production is sustainable.
I have seen claims from some manufacturers saying their products are plastic-free because they use bio-based plastics.
Don’t be fooled by that. It’s still plastic, it’s just made from a plant-based source.
Also, just because the plastic is plant-derived does not necessarily mean it’s biodegradable or compostable.
This is very important to remember, because the language used might suggest that they are.
Disposing Of Biodegradable, Compostable And Bio-Based Plastics In The UK
Now that you know the answer to the question of are compostable and biodegradable the same thing, let’s look at how to dispose of the different types.
Disposing Of Biodegradable Plastics
Unless it is clearly indicated on the item that it can be recycled at home, do not put it in your recycle bin.
As only one item of biodegradable plastic could contaminate a hole load, which will then end up in landfill.
Place any biodegradable plastic in your general waste bin.
Don’t be tempted to put it on your compost heap or in your garden waste bin. Because as we have seen, biodegradable is not the same as compostable.
The vast majority of UK councils won’t accept biodegradable plastic in their green or recycling waste collection.
So the best place for this type of plastic is the general waste bin, unfortunately.
This shows that biodegradable doesn’t necessarily mean it’s better for our environment. Most biodegradable plastics need certain conditions to break down.
They might not get these in landfill, which means the plastic will remain in our environment forever.
Disposing of Compostable Plastics
If a plastic item is clearly marked as home compostable, you can throw it on your compost heap. But keep in mind that it might not decompose at the same rate as the rest.
So you might have to put it back in and not use in your garden until it’s fully composted.
Also, don’t put too many plastic items into your compost bin at once, as this might lead to it taking even longer.
Plastic that can be composted at home shouldn’t be put in the green waste bin. If you don’t have a compost heap, put the plastic item in your general waste bin.
Industrially compostable plastic items can’t be put on your compost heap or your garden waste bin.
If you have access to an industrial composting facility, drop it off there. Otherwise, put it in your general waste bin.
Keep it out of your recycling bin, as it would contaminate recyclable materials.
Disposing Of Bio-Based Plastics
If you have a plastic item that has a label that says it’s bio-based or a bioplastic, that alone won’t tell you how to dispose of it.
Check if it also has a label that says it can be recycled. If so, place it in your recycle bin.
If not. Check if it is home compostable. If so, throw it on your compost heap, if you have one. Otherwise, place it in the general waste bin.
If you find a label that says that it’s biodegradable, also put it in your general waste bin. If it says it’s industrially compostable, either drop it off at an industrial composting facility, or put it in the general waste bin.
Now that we have answered the question of are compostable and biodegradable the same thing and appropriate disposal, let’s discuss how we can use this knowledge when making sustainable choices.
Things To Look Out For In The Search For More Eco-Friendly Products
As a society we have become much more conscious of environmental issues. As a result, many of us try to live a more sustainable life.
But as we have seen, it’s not always easy to know what is more eco-friendly. Especially, because many companies try to project a sustainable image to attract consumers.
The language they use can be confusing at best or misleading at worst, especially when it comes to plastic.
We all know that plastic pollution is one of the biggest problems our environment faces, so here are some things to look out for when looking for more sustainable products.
Avoid Plastic Wherever Possible
The best way to reduce plastic waste is to avoid buying plastic products.
While many plastic items, such as plastic bottles, are recyclable, the plastic has to be produced in the first place.
And most conventional plastic is made from fossil fuels, which is not a sustainable material.
Although many types of plastic are recyclable, most plastic ends up in landfill or as litter in our environment.
It’s estimated that only 12% of plastic waste in the UK is recycled.
And plastic can only be recycled a limited amount of time, as it loses quality every time it’s recycled. Which means eventually, it will end up in landfill, where it could take hundreds of years to break down, if at all.
Single-use plastic is especially bad for our planet. So use a reusable water bottle, rather than buying water in plastic bottles when you are out and about.
Have your reusable coffee mug handy when you want a coffee in a coffee shop. Try to avoid using plastic straws and cutlery.
When you buy fruits and vegetables in the supermarket, choose loose ones where possible. You can bring your own reusable bags when you shop.
And there are many things we use daily that come in plastic packaging, when there is no need for it. So there are many swaps you can make.
Swap your liquid shampoo and conditioner for a solid conditioner and shampoo bar. And do the same with your shower gel.
Get a shaving soap, which is a great plastic-free alternative to get rid of unwanted hair and plastic.
Get reusable menstrual towels. Swap your plastic toothbrush for a bamboo one.
Switch to a plastic-free toothpaste alternative. There is a lot of choice, so you are sure to find an alternative that works for you.
When you buy clothes, try to go for garments that are made from natural materials, such as cotton, rather than polyester. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done nowadays.
Online eco-shops, such as &keep, re:gn or the Bower Collective are a great place to find eco-friendly products.
Check Materials
We have already seen how various terms can be confusing and potentially misleading.
When you buy things where plastic is necessary, toothbrush bristles or dental floss for example, check what materials are used.
While bioplastics are not the solution to our plastic problem, they can be a more eco-friendly option where plastic is necessary.
As they are made from plant-based sources, they are more sustainable than fossil fuel-based conventional plastics. So they are solving one part of the issue.
But regarding disposal, they tend to pose the same problems as plastics made from crude oil.
They may or may not be recyclable and could stay in our environment for hundreds of years.
Alas, sometimes it’s not possible to avoid plastic, in that case bioplastics are more sustainable.
Look For Return Recycle Schemes
Some companies will take back their plastic products and get them recycled.
Such return recycle schemes can help keep plastic out of landfill. There are such schemes for electric toothbrush heads and manual toothbrushes, for example.
Many small companies offer this as a way to reduce their impact on the environment.
Buying from them means that you too can reduce your impact on the environment.
Now that you know the answer to the question “Are compostable and biodegradable the same thing?” you will be able to make better informed decisions when it comes to living a more sustainable life.
